Wiegand Foundation Mardi Gras Event Sold Out

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article contained comments from an individual who was not authorized to speak on behalf of the Wiegand Foundation. 

Updated 12:24 p.m.: Organizors have informed Patch that tonight's event has been sold out.

Original story: The Wiegand Foundation is hosting a night of “revelry and romance” tonight in celebration of Fat Tuesday at the home and studio of Chesterfield sculptor Don Wiegand.

The event will feature wine sampling, creole food, music and entertainment and party-goers are encouraged to dress for the occasion with colorful Mardi Gras masks and attire. Tickets are $35 per person and the proceeds will benefit the Wiegand Foundation, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Don’s vision of using the arts to recognize the public service accomplishments of individuals.  

The Foundation and its mission are also critical to saving the historic structure that now serves as Wiegand’s studio, the former Kroeger Slaughterhouse.

The building was constructed in 1926 and is one of four to be on the Chesterfield Historic Register. Wiegand is trying to prevent the property from being auctioned off by the bank that holds the mortgage, recently avoiding a Dec. 5 eviction deadline. 

Wiegand has said previously that he envisions the studio and the acres surrounding it, situated square in the middle of Chesterfield Valley, as something that can be enjoyed by all the residents of Chesterfield.

The studio and Wiegand himself are also a vital component of the local art community, according to Chesterfield Arts Executive Director Stacey Morse.

“He has really become part of the fabric of this community,” she said. “What he has created with his studio and the projects he has done nationally and internationally has brought all sorts of attention to Chesterfield.”

Wiegand is known internationally for crafting public works of art in the form of bas-relief sculptures that honor the accomplishments of individuals in a variety of categories. One of Wiegand’s most famous works is the bronze “Spirit of Hope” honoring comedian and frequent USO performer Bob Hope.

Every year, the Wiegand Foundation sponsors the “Spirit of Hope” award, which is given to an individual nominated by the various branches of the armed services nominate and deemed to epitomize the spirit and values of Bob Hope.